Swanson Triple Strength Melatonin 10 mg

Our assessment

The evidence shows that Swanson Triple Strength Melatonin 10 mg contains a dose of 10 mg per serving. For context, data on calcium—which is not the active ingredient in this product—shows that high levels of any supplement can carry risks, such as nausea and constipation [NIH ODS]. For melatonin specifically, the total number of adverse event reports across all dietary supplements received by the FDA is 592,059, but data on exact side effects for this product is not available [FDA data].

How it works

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. While the data here does not provide specific mechanisms for melatonin, the ingredient calcium—included for reference—works through bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation, supporting bone density and muscle relaxation [NIH ODS]. For melatonin, think of it as a signal that tells your body it is time to rest.

Safety profile

Safety data for this specific product is limited. The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for all dietary supplements, but no specific report count for melatonin is available in the provided data [FDA data]. High calcium intake can cause constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. You should be aware that melatonin can interact with medications, though specific interactions for this product are not listed in the data provided.

Our recommendation

Our assessment: Start with a lower dose of melatonin, typically 1 mg to 3 mg, rather than 10 mg, to assess your tolerance. Data not available on the long-term safety of 10 mg doses. Consult your healthcare provider before starting this supplement, especially if you take other medications [NIH ODS].

Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:

• Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
• Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
• % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
• Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
• Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.

Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide